Picking the right trail shoe is probably the most important gear decision you’ll need to make for a Camino de Santiago pilgrimage. It’s pretty easy to work with things like an ill sized pack, an uncomfortable hat, or a heavy pair of trekking poles. If you get your shoe pick wrong, you could be forced to battle blisters, foot fatigue, and possibly injuries that would force you off of the trail. In this post, I’m going to break down what I look for in an optimal Camino trail shoe based on my experience on the Camino Frances, Camino Portuguese, Camino Ingles, John Muir Trail, Tour du Mont Blanc, and many other hikes around the world. I will also provide you with my top ten picks that are available in 2024. If you’ve been following my Camino footwear selections throughout the years, you’ll notice my list has been adapting with the times. These are the days of max cushion and comfort!
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Getting Started
Like tires on a car, your shoes and trekking poles are the only pieces of gear that come into contact with the actual trail. You’ll be relying heavily on your footwear over many miles to provide grip, traction, comfort, and protection. Choosing the wrong pair for your feet can easily make for an early exit from the Camino. Let’s take a look at some facts about the many Camino de Santiago routes before we get started:
- It’s a non-technical trail that consists of asphalt, concrete, dirt roads, and single track. There is no scrambling, off trail hiking, or climbing required.
- Seasons matter. Daily temperature and weather will vary greatly depending on when you walk. It will be warm in the summer months, and wet in the winter months. You should expect rain year round though.
- Most hikers will cover 10-20 miles a day, so a shoe with all-day comfort is very important.
- On longer and hotter days, your feet will swell and your skin will dehydrate. It’s important to remember this when thinking about sizing and fit. A good rule is to keep a thumbs width of space between your toes and the front of your shoe
- Many hikers will carry a pack with a base weight of 8-20 lbs. Remember that hiking with a lighter pack will make your trail experience much more comfortable and enjoyable. Pack light!
- It’s often said that 1-pound on your feet is equal to 5-pounds on your back. For this reason and many others, I would suggest going with trail running shoes as opposed to heavy boots.
- Experience matters. Don’t leave home without training in your shoe of choice, logging at least 5 longer hikes in them. I’ve seen countless pilgrims show up in brand new gear without any physical training or preparation. It almost never ends well, so take the time and prepare yourself.
- Nothing trumps training and fitness. It doesn’t matter how much time and money you spend picking up the perfect gear. If you’re not in shape physically and mentally, your odds of completing a pilgrimage walk will go down dramatically.
Given these trail conditions, I personally rule out any option that is a high top boot and/or has Gore-Tex. Why? Boots are too heavy, do not breathe well, and are not necessary for a simple and non-technical walking path like those found on the routes to Santiago. Boots are also more likely to cause blistering and other foot issues. This isn’t just my personal opinion either, it is one shared by many Camino hikers, as well as the vast majority of thru-hikers on trails like the JMT, PCT, CDT, and AT.
So why not shoes with Gore-Tex (GTX)? From my anecdotal experience alongside that of many others, GTX will drench your feet from the inside out. GTX will trap heat in your shoe or boot on hot days, causing you to sweat through your socks. What about in rain? If you get GTX footwear wet, good luck drying them out. It could take days! GTX might keep water out, but it will also keep water in. If you’ve ever been in a prolonged downpour with GTX boots on, you’ll know they will eventually get wet. I don’t want to go too far on this point, but GTX is sold like crazy, and doesn’t do what most people think it does.
What I Look For
Now that we’ve ruled a few choices out, here are a few criteria I look for when selecting trail shoes.
- Lightweight: under 14 oz.
- Breathable: must let feet breathe and dry quickly
- Forefoot Protection: Must protect my feet from the rocky trail with a rockplate and/or ample cushion
- Lower Drop: I like a 4-8mm drop for stability
- Fit: I prefer shoes with a foot shaped toe box and no slop in the heel or midfoot
- My Foot Shape: My foot is not your foot! Try on multiple shoes and go with the one that fits your foot shape.
- Durable: Shoe must be able to handle upwards of 500 miles per pair
- Comfortable: No hot spots or rubbing points, with a nearly seamless interior upper
- Stable: Not necessarily with inserts or built in support, but I’m not a fan of narrow or flimsy shoes while wearing a pack
- Drainage: With thunderstorms and rain, I need my shoes to drain and dry quickly
- Availability: It’s important to be able to try on shoes to see what fits your foot best. For this reason I suggest going to stores like REI where you can try shoes on, or order online from places with easy return policies like Amazon or Zappos.
Okay, now that I’ve laid out how to pick a Camino trail shoe, here are my top 10 choices for 2024!
Top 10 Camino Trail Shoes for 2024
1. Hoka Speedgoat 5
Price: $155
Drop: 4mm (37mm to 33mm)
Weight: 10 oz
The Hoka brand has taken off like wildfire over the past decade, and if you’ve hiked on any trail in the last year, you’re sure to have seen a few pairs of Hoka Speedgoats. What started as a strange super-cushion shoe, has transformed into one of the most popular options for trail, road, and casual wear. When I walked the Camino Portuguese in 2018 and Ingles in 2022, Hokas were everywhere, and their growth as a brand is sure to continue. The top Hoka model for trail runners and Camino pilgrims is the Hoka Speedgoat, with a plush midsole, grippy Vibram outsole, and secure upper.
Best For: Hikers looking for a max cushion shoe that still provides a secure fit and amazing traction
Pros: Lots of cushion, Vibram Mega Grip outsole
Cons: Instability for those with heavier packs, and a narrow toe box
Available at: REI
2. Altra Olympus 5
Price: $170
Drop: 0mm (36mm to 36mm)
Weight: 11 oz
The second most popular brand of trail shoes on the Camino in recent years has been Altra. The Lone Peak listed below used to be the shoe of choice, but these days the high cushion Olympus reigns supreme. Like all Altra shoes, the Olympus comes with a wide toebox and a zero drop platform. The zero drop platform can be hard on the lower leg muscles at first, so make sure to give yourself an adjustment period. The Olympus has tons of soft cushioning, a Vibram Mega-grip outsole, and a friction free upper for all day comfort.
Best For: Hikers seeking max protection and cushion on a zero drop wide fitting platform
Pros: Cushion, comfort, grippy outsole
Cons: Expensive, lacking lateral stability
3. Hoka Challenger 7
Price: $145
Drop: 5mm (37mm to 32mm)
Weight: 9.7 oz
If you want a max cushion shoe like the Hoka Speedgoat, but prefer a slightly wider toebox and a less aggressive outsole, the Hoka Challenger 7 is the shoe for you. The Hoka Challenger is a fantastic door-to-trail max cushion shoe that’s perfect for long days on The Way.
Best For: Hikers seeking max protection underfoot with the feel of a traditional running shoe
Pros: Cushion and comfort
Cons: Less aggressive outsole not great on technical terrain
Available at: REI
4. Topo MTN Racer 3
Price: $150
Drop: 4mm (34mm to 29mm)
Weight: 9.8 oz
Topo is a brand that has been making massive inroads with the trail running and hiking community over the past few years. Topo trail shoes combine the anatomical fit of Altras, but with a much more dialed in fit through the midfoot and heel. Topo shoes also come with a little more heel drop to help hikers that don’t like Altras 0-drop platforms. The MTN racer is my favorite Topo shoe due to it’s great fit in the upper, plush midsole, and grippy Vibram outsole.
Best For: Hikers seeking max protection with a wide toe box
Pros: Cushion, comfort, grippy outsole
Cons: None for me
5. Altra Lone Peak 8
Price: $140
Drop: 0mm (25mm to 25mm)
Weight: 10.7 oz
The Altra Lone Peak is the king of the JMT, PCT, AT, and just about any other thru-hike you can mention. The Lone Peaks have gotten better with each version and have spread like wildfire on the Camino due to the supreme comfort of their ‘foot shaped’ toe box. The Lone Peak offers adequate underfoot protection with 25mm of cushion and a stone guard. The outsole has solid traction and durability, but struggles with durability on rough trails. If you’re looking for a trail shoe that fits and feels like a slipper, the Lone Peak is for you. Just make sure to give yourself a few months to adjust to the 0-drop before embarking on your pilgrimage.
Best For: Hikers prone to blisters and foot swelling.
Pros: Wide toebox, comfortable fit, affordable, wide availability
Cons: Zero drop platform requires an adjustment period. Lacks stability/rigidity, durability
6. Saucony Xodus Ultra 2
Price: $150
Drop: 6mm (35mm to 29mm)
Weight: 9.6 oz
The Xodus Ultra was one of my surprise favorites last year, and Saucony has only improved on the original with v2. The Xodus Ultra has a plush midsole, but provides a little more lateral stability and support when compared to the max cushion trainers above. The Xodus Ultra also comes with a dedicated rock plate in the forefoot. This is critical for cobble stones and rocky trails along The Way.
Best For: Hikers needing a cushioned shoe with stability and protection
Pros: Cushion, protection, comfort, grippy outsole
Cons: The toebox is a bit tight for my foot, and the midfoot can feel a tad sloppy on technical trails
7. Brooks Cascadia 17
Price: $140
Drop: 8mm (33mm to 25mm)
Weight: 11.3 oz
The Cascadia was the most popular shoe for thru-hikers a decade ago, but Brooks churned out a few duds with versions 10-14. With newer versions, Brooks made some big changes to the shoe, and now on v17, the Cascadia is back at its best. The Cascadia has the feel of a comfortable road shoe, but with a very stable and well protected ride underfoot. The 8mm drop midsole offers max protection with a rock plate as well. This shoe will give pilgrims many comfortable miles on any surface The Way presents.
Best For: Hikers seeking bombproof protection on a runable platform
Pros: Underfoot protection and all-day nice comfort
Cons: A bit stiff in the midsole
8. Asics Gel Trabuco 12
Price: $140
Drop: 8mm (36mm to 28mm)
Weight: 11.1 oz
The Asics Gel Trabuco is one of those shoes that gets an update every year, is well loved, but never gets any press in the USA. The Euro and Asian markets seem to love Asics trail shoes, but they don’t really have any market share stateside. I think a part of that is that they are a very traditional set of trainers without the pop of newer offerings. That said, if you really love running in Asics shoes on the road, you’ll feel right at home in the Gel Trabuco. I tried my first Trabuco in the v11 last year, and was disappointed in myself for waiting so long. This shoe is dependable, stable, supportive, and very durable.
Best For: Hikers seeking cushion and comfort on a traditional shoe platform
Pros: All-day comfort
Cons: A little difficult to lock down the midfoot
9. Saucony Peregrine 14
Price: $140
Drop: 4mm (28mm to 24mm)
Weight: 9.4 oz
When I was training for my first Camino back in 2012, I put quite a few miles on a pair of Peregrine 2s! That really makes me feel old now. The peregrine has been humming along for more than a decade now with minimal changes. It’s still a low drop, stable, and lightweight Saucony trail option, without any of the features found in the max cushion shoes at the top of the list. This is a great shoe if you like the fit and feel of Altra and Topo, but need a narrower last for stability and security.
Best For: Hikers seeking a low-drop low-profile trail shoe
Pros: Stable with a great lockdown in the upper
Cons: Narrow in the forefoot, and a little firm for longer days
10. Arcteryx Norvan LD 3
Price: $165
Drop: 6mm (29mm to 23mm)
Weight: 9.6 oz
The Arteryx Norvan LD 3 is another great shoe that few people know about, and was one of my favorite trail shoes last year. The upper is breathable and secure, the midsole is plush and stable, and the Vibram outsole sticks to everything. The color ways on the Norvan might not be for everyone, but if I was walking the Camino tomorrow, this would probably be my shoe of choice.
Best For: Hikers seeking max protection without sacrificing stability
Pros: Cushion, comfort, grippy outsole
Cons: Colors
Camino Footwear Bonus Picks
Bonus 1. La Sportiva Bushido III
Price: $155
Drop: 7mm (23mm to 16mm)
Weight: 10.5 oz
The first two versions of the Bushido were some of my favorite and most used shoes for the past decade. La Sportiva will be releasing the new Bushido III this year with a revised upper and a little more cushioning underfoot. The Bushido offers just enough cushion for long miles, and is built on a very stable and supportive platform. The Bushido has been my shoe of choice while hiking with a heavy pack because of the confidence inspiring support and stability.
Best For: Hikers seeking a stable shoe that hugs the foot and provides great underfoot protection
Pros: Stability, underfoot protection, grip, and traction
Cons: Low volume
Bonus 2. Salomon SLAB Genesis
Price: $200
Drop: 8mm (33mm to 25mm)
Weight: 9.1 oz
While training for Grand Canyon Rim to Rim to Rim in 2023, I wore the Salomon SLAB Ultra 3 and SLAB Genesis. The SLAB Genesis is one of my favorite shoes, but it’s been nearly impossible to find in stock, which is why I don’t have it on the list here. For 2024, Salomon will be releasing a non SLAB version, which should help with availability. If you can get your hands on the SLAB or non SLAB version of the Genesis, it will make for a fantastic Camino shoe.
Best For: Hikers seeking max protection with stability and durability
Pros: Cushion, comfort, grippy outsole
Cons: Expensive and hard to find in stock
Bonus 3. La Sportiva Prodigo
Price: $155
Drop: 6mm (34mm to 28mm)
Weight: 9.5 oz
La Sportiva is launching a brand new model in 2024 called the Prodigo. La Sportiva is well known for their bombproof mountain shoes, but has been losing market share of late because they lacked a well cushioned trail shoe for ultras and trails that require less rigid footwear. The Prodigo has a plush midsole that is supposed to be softer than anything La Sportiva has offered before. I’m excited to give this one a try and hope it lives up to the marketing!
Best For: Hikers seeking max cushion shoe with stability
Pros: Cushion, comfort, grippy outsole
Cons: Unknown
Closing Thoughts
Now, it’s your turn to join the conversation. What are your favorite trail shoes for the Camino or any other hiking adventure? Share your thoughts, questions, or personal experiences in the comments below. Let’s build a community of informed and prepared pilgrims, ensuring everyone’s journey is comfortable, enjoyable, and successful.
I went from brooks cascadias to altra lone peaks and seriously was the best thing I did. The toe box space in the altras are soooo good!
It’s amazing how much more comfortable the right shoe can be!
Going to try out the Topo MTN 3s! Really hoping I can find something with more cushion and a bigger toe box, but with more ankle support than Altras!
They’re a great shoe. More cushion than the Terraventure, and a better fit/feel than the Ultraventure.